Midsize SUV Road Test & Comparison

If a dog is man's best friend, then it's conceivable the sport/utility vehicle is man's best tool. And when we say "sport/utility vehicle," we're talking a truck-based, ladder-frame SUV here, not a car-based crossover that's as soft and common as UGG boots. In its proper guise--equipped with four-wheel drive, low-range gearing, a live rear axle, plentiful ground clearance, and suitable tires--the basic, midsize SUV can take man to destinations otherwise unattainable if left to the wimpy car-based 'ute.

And what about hauling all of a man's gear, food, and friends? The good old best tool once again rises to the occasion, pulling double-duty as a five-passenger transporter and a 30-cubic-foot locker. And, as is often the case these days, the off-road-bent SUV doesn't beat up its buyer with a hefty price tag or a lack of amenities. Rather, it dips shallowly into one's bank account--prices generally open at well under $30,000--and coddles passengers with such conveniences as a CD changer, cruise control, and heated seats.

Scanning the current crop of SUVs revealed four such truck-based midsize machines. The all-new 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a retro-inspired rock-hopper that harks back to the cult-classic FJ40 of the 1960s. Based on a modified 4Runner platform, the FJ is touted by Toyota as the most competent 4x4 in its U.S. lineup. When talking about competent 4x4s, one can't ignore Jeep and Hummer. Stalwarts in the off-road world--be it military, racing, or recreation--each offers an entry-level sport/ute designed for precarious excursions. The Liberty receives Jeep's "Trail Rated" stamp of approval, which, according to the brand, translates to an SUV "designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions." The H3, the baby of the hulking Hummer family, appears the most promising off-road, what with its enormous 33-inch tires and ornately visible tow hooks and skidplates. Last but certainly not least, there's our 2006 Sport/Utility of the Year, the Nissan Xterra. The Xterra is the type of vehicle that quietly goes about its business while garnering nearly all the praise and respect.

We set out for the snowy peaks of the Eastern Sierras and its two-layer off-road cake of hard-pack and powder to test each vehicle's adeptness in the white stuff. We followed it up with a visit to Southern California's off-road Mecca, Hungry Valley, to assess the vehicles' abilities to climb hills, overcome boulders, and traverse deep piles of river wash. And, of course, between destinations, we trudged along stretches of highway to discover which vehicle offered the best ride, handling, and everyday liveability. Which brute/ute would finish at the front of the pack?